The use of color can have a dramatic impact and help define the tone of the dining room.

If the informal dining room is attached or open to the kitchen, you may wish to consider implementing a monochromatic color scheme or incorporating the grouping of colors that appear within the kitchen. The use of a complementary color scheme (see Digital Color Wheel for all schemes) would also be appropriate in this situation, providing for a balanced combination of color within the adjoining spaces.

Faux Finishes: Formal dining rooms provide an ideal space to utilize faux and other highly decorative paint finishes (see Decorative Techniques). Deep, rich colors are often used to create dramatic formal dining spaces.

Paint Tips Highly used, active dining rooms require high quality paint that contains a higher sheen that can be easily cleaned. New latex high gloss paints or traditional gloss alkyd paints are excellent choices for moldings and wainscoting. The latex high gloss paints will have lower odor and dry much faster.

Design Ideas: Color can be used to stimulate the dining room space through a multitude of creative projects:

• Create a visual division of space within a two story dining room by adding molding at ceiling height, then painting two distinct colors (above and below the molding).

• Update the timeless look of wainscoting within the dining room with a coat of stylish paint.

• Decorative paint finishes can be used on wall coverings, accent walls or ceiling space to provide stimulating color and interesting texture to the dining area.

• Create a focal point for built-ins that showcase treasured collectibles by painting the interior using a contrasting color that highlights the featured collectibles.

Be sure to use the Project Planner to obtain the results you desire.

BACK TO TOP